LFF boutique Bluewater – the final chapter

 

 

I hated yesterday. I had to drive over to Bluewater to announce the closure of a highly successful initiative that is currently giving 40 designers a source of income, (for some their only source), a learning opportunity to find out what really makes a fashion garment sell, a PR platform, a base to show buyers and press their collection and so on!

 

When we opened Bluewater in November 2004 we always knew that it was a short term programme and originally it was destined to be open for just three months. However, the footfall into the almost 3,000 square foot unit was always buoyant, Bluewater Management Team were exceptionally supportive charging only a minimal service charge rather than a fixed commercial rent but Dartford Council were a different kettle of fish entirely.

 

 

Following on from the Store Bores article wouldn’t you think that there should be some kind of flexible business rating system to help the small independents? The LFF was being charged £11,000 a month for rates by Dartford Council. Naturally we jumped up and down creating a stir and we even went for a re-evaluation claim which is a long drawn out process that is not retrospective. But rates of this magnitude are just too high and eventually we have had to close the doors for business.

 

 

The last trading day is Monday 24^th October and the store officially closes on 31^st October. All current designers showcasing in the boutique have been notified by letter and as of Monday Nalini, the Manager, will be organising Delivery Notes and final settlement of accounts. We have tried to give the designers as much selling time as possible and hence we are trading over the weekend to give maximum sales.

 

The lovely Nalini – Manageress of LFF Bluewater Boutique.

 

A simple but effective initiative, designers were allowed to sell in the store by a 33% commission basis of retail sales price or a fixed weekly rent plus nominal commission. Flexibility was required as all designers are at different levels of business growth and financial stability and it worked. It is just frustrating that the concept can not be continued.

 

Credit to the London Development Agency and the Creative London (CL) team for their support. The LFF forged ahead with this boutique opening with very little money for a shop refit and without actual bid planning in the business plan remit either! However, CL could see the obvious advantage of having THE ONLY PROJECT IN LONDON that gave designers access to market.

 

 

Seeing the girls so upset in Bluewater yesterday was horrendous. The project was so successful because of Nalini, Claire, Ruth, Melvine, Rachel, Maiden,Saran and Gemma, who worked tirelessly to make the boutique a success and without the real tools to capitalise on potential. Hand picking the highest calibre of staff we could made this project work and I have absolutely no doubt that the staff will be quickly snapped up by other retailers.

 

So thank you to the ladies at the boutique, thank you to Bluewater Management Team (especially Debbie Gardner) and also to CL for making the opportunity happen. Shame on you Dartford Council for charging such extortionate rates.

 

Jenny Holloway

Industry Advisor